Pharmacology · MU Sofia

24. Beta Adrenergic Blocking Agents (Beta Blockers)

Covers beta blockers as a drug class, sorting them into three generations with examples: non-selective agents, beta1-selective cardioselective agents, and third-generation drugs with extra vasodilating actions. Walks through pharmacodynamic effects and their therapeutic uses, pharmacokinetic profiles of individual drugs, side effects, and interactions with other drugs. Also addresses use in pregnancy and lactation and closes with recap questions.

Inside: 8 sections · 3 labelled pictures · 14 flashcards · 4 min

Topic 23 of 93 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Pharmacology (Dental Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 8 sections, about 518 words (4 min of reading), with 14 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Beta Adrenergic Blocking Agents (Beta Blockers)
  2. Classification
  3. Pharmacodynamics
  4. Pharmacokinetics
  5. Side Effects
  6. Drug Interactions
  7. Beta Blockers in Pregnancy & Lactation
  8. Recap Questions

Beta Adrenergic Blocking Agents (Beta Blockers)

Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic antagonists, are a class of medications that block the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine on beta-adrenergic receptors. They are commonly used to manage cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Classification

  1. 1. 1st Generation (Non-Selective Beta Blockers) – Blocks both β1 and β2 receptors
  • Examples: Propranolol, Pindolol, Timolol, Nadolol
  1. 2. 2nd Generation (β1-Selective Beta Blockers / Cardioselective) – Primarily affects the heart
  • Examples: Acebutolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Esmolol
  1. 3. 3rd Generation (Beta Blockers with Additional Cardiovascular Effects)
  • Examples: Carvedilol, Nebivolol
  • Carvedilol: Also blocks α1 receptors → vasodilation
  • Nebivolol: Enhances nitric oxide (NO) release → vasodilation & improved endothelial function

Pharmacodynamics

  • β1 blockade (Cardiac effects):
  • ↓ Heart rate (negative chronotropic effect)
  • ↓ Myocardial contractility (negative inotropic effect)
  • ↓ Blood pressure
  • Therapeutic use: Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, heart failure, MI
  • β2 blockade (Non-Selective Beta Blockers only)
  • Bronchoconstriction → Contraindicated in asthma/COPD
  • Vasoconstriction → Worsens Raynaud’s phenomenon
  • Inhibits glycogenolysis → Risk of hypoglycemia masking in diabetics
  • Carvedilol & Nebivolol (3rd Gen):
  • Carvedilol → Also blocks α1 receptors, causing additional vasodilation
  • Nebivolol → Enhances NO release, leading to vasodilation and improved endothelial function

Continue reading free

The whole note, all 8 sections, is free with an AceMed account, with its 14 flashcards. Premium adds flashcard recall, highlights and Ask AI.

Start freeAlready a member? Open the note